Raymond Koehler
New Haven, CT – Raymond M. Koehler left this world on August 21, 2025.
He was surrounded by love.
Ray was born on Oct. 11, 1953 in Northampton, MA to Gene and Stanley
Koehler. His imagination and adventurous spirit were nurtured from a
young age during his family’s numerous travels abroad, including to
England, Italy and Greece. Wherever the destination, he absorbed the
culture and created lifelong friendships.
Ray graduated from Amherst Regional High School in 1972 with academic
distinction. He starred on the football, basketball and track teams,
served as captain on the football team, and won the scholar-athlete
award his senior year. He attended Muskingum College in New Concord,
Ohio, where he played football for a year, ran track, and served as
president of the Stag Club. He earned a B.A. in classics in 1976,
graduating summa cum laude, and went on to receive a M.A. degree in
classics from the University of Toledo.
Generations of students benefited from Ray’s engaging and innovative
teaching methods. He taught classical languages at Waynfleet School in
Portland, ME, Brunswick School in Greenwich, CT, Stoneleigh-Burnham in
Greenfield, MA, and Hill Regional Career High School in New Haven, CT,
bringing Latin to life with skits, music and games. He composed “The
Never Ending Noun Ending Song,” turning rote grammar into a memorable
experience, and authored “A Student’s Guide to Catullus.” He led many
student trips to Greece and frequently presented to his peers and
colleagues at Classical Association of New England conferences.
Ray was very interested in spirituality and helping improve the human
condition. His search for answers led him to his work with the Church
of Scientology, most recently in New Haven, CT. He became the Lead
Supervisor and helped others improve their lives in multiple ways,
including leading life improvement and communication courses.
Ray was a kind, understanding and supportive husband to his wife,
Monica Koehler (their magic lives on), and a loving father to his two
daughters, Isabel Claire Koehler and Rachel Ann Kaplan (Danny), and
stepdaughter Veronica Concodello (Joe). He nurtured their self worth
and personal development with his never-ending support.
He is also deeply missed by his siblings: Margaret DeGregorio (Jim
McMillan), Jenny Yelle (Gerald), Jamison Koehler (Susan Burke), and
Mary Anne Brush (George); step grandchildren, Sophia and Scarlett
Concodello; and many nieces and nephews.
Ray brought music, laughter, love of games and his competitive spirit
to every family gathering, whether he was shooting the moon in a game
of Hearts or making pancakes with real maple syrup. His family admires
his unwavering positivity and ability to see the good in everyone.
A memorial service and reception will take place in Amherst, MA on
Saturday, Sept. 20, at 12:15 p.m. at the Inn on Boltwood, 30 Boltwood
Ave. The reception will be preceded by a graveside service at 11:15
a.m. at Wildwood Cemetery, 70 Strong Street, open to those who wish to
attend.
Memorial donations may be made to the Classical Association of New
England or the Citizens Commission on Human Rights at cchr.org.